NEW PRINCIPALS ANNOUNCED FOR MARATHON & KEY WEST HIGH SCHOOLS

Christine Paul, left, is the new principal of Marathon High School, while Rebecca Palomino takes the helm as Key West High School principal. CONTRIBUTED

School district officials announced the new principals for Marathon Middle/High School and Key West High School on Thursday, May 4.

Christine Paul will take the helm at Marathon Middle/High School, and Rebecca Palomino will take the lead at Key West High School, Superintendent Theresa Axford announced on Thursday, May 4. Laura Lietaert continues as principal of Coral Shores High School.

All three principals are also graduates of the schools they’re leading.

Paul currently serves as principal of Stanley Switlik Elementary School in Marathon and will take over the high school position in August from outgoing principal Wendy McPherson.

“Her high level of expertise is accompanied by a personality that expresses her calmness, commitment to education and happy demeanor,” Schools Superintendent Theresa Axford said in the news release. “It is truly a pleasure to appoint a Marathon High School graduate to the role of principal. I am sure she will serve the Marathon community proudly and with love in her heart for all students and their families.”

Paul has worked for the Monroe County School District as a teacher and administrator since 1997.

“As a graduate of Marathon High School and a proud Dolphin, I look forward to working with teachers and staff to provide a school of excellence where all students can achieve their full potential,” she said. 

“She envisions working collaboratively with teachers to ensure delivery of a rigorous and challenging curriculum that prepares students for success in college, career and beyond,” the news release states. “She will encourage students to pursue their passions, develop leadership skills and contribute to the community through service-learning opportunities. Simply put, she believes that a well-rounded, high-quality education is the key to a better tomorrow.”

Meanwhile at Key West High School…

Rebecca Palomino will take over as principal for the upcoming school year. Former principal Larry Schmiegel left in March for another job in New York. Dave Perkins has served as interim principal since Schmiegel’s departure, but did not apply for the permanent position, Axford said. 

Palomino has previously worked as a teacher, a counselor and an assistant principal at Key West High School, along with other positions at Sugarloaf School and most recently as assistant principal at Gerald Adams Elementary.

“Mrs. Palomino recently told me she bleeds crimson and gray, and I believe it,” Axford said. “Her passion for her alma mater is notable, and the variety of successful experiences she has had as a teacher, counselor and assistant principal have fully prepared her to take the helm of the district’s largest school. I am confident in her abilities and proud to place a former Conch in the highest leadership role at the school.”

Her breadth of experience with K-12 counseling and academics, her involvement on district level teams, and knowledge of Key West High School as an alumni and former staff member gives Palomino a well-rounded perspective on the needs of the school and community. As a student-centered administrator, she believes the power of relationships can help students be successful academically and socially, the release states.

“I am truly overwhelmed with emotion and honored to return to my alma mater as principal,” Palomino said. “It has been my dream and aspiration to follow in the footsteps of legendary Conch principals. I look forward to carrying on the traditions of Key West High School that make us who we are as an academically competitive school and the source of Conch Pride for our community.”